Posted on 03/17/2005 2:39:04 PM PST by nickcarraway
The state House passed a bill Thursday that could keep Terri Schiavo alive, less than 24 hours before the brain-damaged woman's feeding tube is scheduled to be removed.
But a more limited version of the proposal was defeated in the Senate, casting doubt on whether lawmakers could reach a compromise before the scheduled removal of the severely brain-damaged woman's feeding tube at 1 p.m. Friday.
The legislative action was part of a last-minute flurry of attempts to save Schiavo's life. Congress was also considering legislation to move the case to the federal courts, Schiavo's parents appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and Florida Circuit Court Judge George Greer scheduled a hearing Thursday to consider a request from the Department of Children & Families to halt the removal of the tube.
The House bill (HB 701) would block the withholding of food and water from patients in a persistent vegetative state who didn't leave specific instructions refusing the artificial measure. It passed 78-37.
"This provides a safety net where the government stands up for the vulnerable who don't otherwise have a voice," said Rep. Kevin Ambler (search), R-Tampa.
Gov. Jeb Bush has strongly urged the Legislature to pass a bill that would save Schiavo, as it did in 2003. That law allowed Bush to order doctors to restore Schiavo's feeding tube six days after it had been removed. The law was later declared unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court.
"We have a responsibility to act, to deal with this issue," Bush said. "It breaks my heart we're in a situation where it's possible this woman could starve to death."
The Senate measure, which failed 21-16, would have blocked the withholding of food and water from patients in a persistent vegetative state in cases where family members disagreed on the patient's wishes.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Tell that State Senate they can't have supper until they pass the Bill. And no bathroom breaks either!
Immediate Action Necessary: First Priority Florida Senate
Guess that means he can take the tube part way out...
Chads aren't the only thing that should be hanging in Florida.
The house allows her to get half-rations.
Feeding tubes to be inserted in all senators. Location of your choice.
I heard the SEnate is going to hear it tomorrow. That was just an amendment today that they voted down. How can I be that wrong?
Is this over in the FL Senate? I suspect it was the rotund Jim King of Jacksonville, the former Senate president, who succeeded in blocking it. He looks like he has never been starved for even one meal.
This is horrifying. I thought there was a deal between the governor and the legislature. What on earth is wrong with these people?
No matter what, FL conservatives need to retire some of their "Republican" members in the 2006 State Senate PRIMARIES! The House though seems sensible in Tallahassee.
Is there any way for me to find out which senators voted against it?
Food and water needs to be withheld from 21 members of the Florida Senate. See how they like it. Against their will? Tough!
We are trying to find that.
Can we be surprised? In Florida they seem quite comfortable in deciding the wishes of another and giving a pass when it comes to the personal responsibility required to legally express ones wishes.
Here's some information about the U.S. Courts.
http://www.uscourts.gov
Demand a FBI investigations,etc...
http://www.uscourts.gov/contact.html
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I don't know. Prayers for Terri. Prayers for us all.
Child of God...
We pray those judicial sinners...
Do not cause the hour of thy death...
Amen !!!
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